법주사 대웅보전 봉안 소조삼존불좌상에 대한 연구

Abstract

When enshrining three Buddha statues as a set in the Buddhist temples, the Three Tathagatas(三世佛) comprising Sakyamuni, Bhaisaijyaguru, and Amitabha, Three-Body Buddhas(三身佛) comprising dharma-body, reward-body, and transformation body, or Three-body Buddha & Three Tathagatas(三身三世佛) comprising Virocana, Bhaisaijyaguru, and Amitabha generally formed a set during the Joseon dynasty, The Buddha statues enshrined in the Dae-ung-bo-jeon(大雄寶殿) of Beop-ju-sa Temple, one of the earliest examples and one of the few larger statues from the Joseon period, however, take the form of Three Buddhas comprising Virocana in the center flanked by Sakyamuni on the right and Amitabha on the left. This is a rare example for the first half of the 17th century, and thus, is an important material for the study of Three Buddhas. Also, written records concerning the production of the statues and the provision of the funds were discovered from inside the statues, thus revealing the date of production and procedure. The value of the Buddha statues is further enhanced since the records also explain when and how they went through restoration and coated with gold anew.